> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jjazzlab.gitbook.io/user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jjazzlab.gitbook.io/user-guide/readme.md).

# JJazzLab 5

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**Want to add or fix documentation?** 

Yes you can!😀 Visit the [Improve documentation](/user-guide/contribute/improve-doc.md) page.
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**We only provide documentation in English**

If you need another language, with today's internet browsers (Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, etc.) it's easy to configure them to automatically translate web pages on the fly. 
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![JJazzlab 5](/files/nN2BAhr4zwOY89Yckt6w)

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In JJazzLab "**rhythm**" usually means a **music style**, like pop or bossa-nova.
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## What is JJazzLab?

🎵 JJazzLab lets you create backing tracks for any song, even complex ones, in just a few minutes. It’s a jam buddy to have fun practicing at home or learn new stuff. It’s also a great tool for teaching or early-stage composing.

🎷 Add variety, rhythmic accents and natural dynamics that keep your practice sessions inspiring. You can start a solo slowly and gradually build up the atmosphere!

💻 JJazzLab is free and open-source, with an open architecture: anyone can easily add new features and new music generation capabilities.

## Getting started

[Install ](/user-guide/installation.md)and run JJazzLab, then :

1. Load an example song file : **menu File/Open Songs...** and select **ExampleFiles/BluesMinor.sng**
2. Press the **Play** button : you should hear the backing track -if not, check the Midi Out device in **menu Tools/Options (Preferences on Mac)**
3. Start editing the song using the [**editors** ](/user-guide/editors/overview.md)and hear how it impacts the generated backing track.

If you prefer to quickly create a new backing track from scratch, check out this video:

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkOm8l5Xb1g>" %}

## Key features

* New [**jjSwing style**](/user-guide/rhythm-engines/jjswing-rhythm-engine.md) (rhythm), practice jazz standards with the best walking bass and drums
* Hundreds of ready-to-use music styles ([rhythms](/user-guide/rhythms/rhythm-files.md)) available
* Introduce **dynamics** and **variety** in just a few clicks, for example:
  * mute the guitar in the intro
  * add a break at the end of the 2nd verse and congas in the 3rd verse
  * boost intensity and slightly increase tempo at the end
  * add anticipated (pushed) chords
  * simplify the piano on the first verse
* Add [user tracks](/user-guide/editors/mix-console.md#user-tracks) to customize your backing track
* Attach [annotations or lyrics](/user-guide/editors/chord-lead-sheet.md#bar-annotations-lyrics) to bars
* Control [playback via Midi](/user-guide/playback-control/midi-remote-commands.md)
* [Import](/user-guide/songs/importing-songs.md) and [export](/user-guide/songs/exporting-songs.md) song or individual instrument tracks

## **Side tools**

* [Chord inspector](/user-guide/tools/notes-viewer.md): understand chord symbol notes and scales (piano, guitar diagrams, score)
* [Practice loop with tempo auto-increase](/user-guide/tools/practice-loop-with-tempo-increase.md): efficiently practice exercices or difficult passages
* [Arranger keyboard mode](/user-guide/tools/arranger-keyboard-mode.md): control backing track chords via a midi keyboard
* [Improvisation help](/user-guide/tools/improvisation-help.md): get improvisation guides for your lead sheet
* [Chord symbols transposition](/user-guide/tools/chord-symbols-transposition.md): for transposing instruments (e.g. sax players)
* [Easy Reader window](/user-guide/tools/easy-reader.md): focus on the current and next chord
* [Song memo](/user-guide/tools/song-memo.md): text reminders about your song which can include links to files or web pages